Could Braves Trade For More Than One Outfielder
by gondeee on Jul 28, 2011 1:47 PM EDT
in Braves Trade News
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PrintWith Carlos Beltran and Colby Rasmus off the board, the Atlanta Braves have turned their trade focus elsewhere. The two hottest names popping up today are Carlos Quentin of the White Sox and Josh Willingham of the A's.
Ken Rosenthal tweeted this today about the Braves interest in Quentin:
Source: Braves "hot" for Quentin - and White Sox love ATL's young arms. One holdup [...] the condition of Viciedo's thumb at AAA. Would replace Quentin for White Sox. Hasn't played since Saturday.
The Quentin rumors first surfaced back at the beginning of July when Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe simply speculated that the Braves would be a good fit for Quentin. That beget a flurry of rumors for several days that have been quiet until now. Rosenthal also says that the Braves are looking at Athletics outfielder Josh Willingham:
Sources: Athletics' Willingham on Braves' list of post-Beltran options.
That is a little less definite than the rumors about Quentin. Both of those options would only really fit defensively in left field, which begs the question "who plays center, and where does Prado play when Chipper returns?"
Mark Bowman also mentions the Padres' Ryan Ludwick and the Rays' B.J. Upton as possibilities that the Braves are looking at. Upton is the only player who would be a center field option, while guys like Ludwick and Willingham would be right-handed platoon players with Jason Heyward, as well as right-handed pinch hitters.
If Chipper Jones were not available this decision would be easier, as a true left fielder could be acquired with Martin Prado moving to third base, but Chipper is expected back in the lineup soon. It's possible that the Braves could be looking to acquire two outfield bats. Since Chipper got injured after the July 31st deadline last year, the team may want to protect against another injury, and so a one-year rental player like Ludwick or Willingham would be that protection while also serving as a pinch hitter and platoon player for the corner outfield spots. At the same time the Braves could pursue a guy they consider a major upgrade in center field for this year and next year, B.J. Upton.
Only the acquisition of Upton would likely require one of the big-four pitching prospects in the Braves system, while Willingham or Ludwick could be acquired for a lesser prospect or two. The availability of Quentin could be coming into play with regards to the two outfielder acquisition option. Ludwick and Willingham are both free agents at the end of the year, while Quentin and Upton would not be free agents until after 2012. If the Braves could get Quentin, then perhaps they would not pursue the two outfielder acquisition option.
At this point everything we know is still just based on a rumor, and mostly speculation.
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"Pleatoon" is really starting to turn into the P-word
and I really hate that. There are other positions where a platoon makes more sense.
I think it’s a really stupid strategy especially if it involves Heyward
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
Completely
It’s a great way to hinder the development of the player who is probably our most valuable long-term asset
by Bravenewworld2 on Jul 28, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Disagree
Making sure a young kid realizes that he isn’t in MiLB anymore and simply developing ABs is a very important part of the development of a young prospect. I do hope and think Heyward can turn it around, but if we allow him to continue to put up subpar performances then we need to let him know that it isn’t “alright”. It might hurt his pride, but how he comes back from it is more important than damaging it.
thats dumb
Hes under performing yes, has he been bad no. You dont send somebody down to AAA or platoon a player just because hes not putting up HOF numbers
He's not even putting up decent numbers.
I am all for sending Heyward a “message” in some form or another. Kid needs to be shaken up a little bit.
War Eagle
Heyward and Prado have the same wOBA of .317, which is also exactly league average at the plate. What message should we send to Prado?
What's Heyward's upside compared to Prado's?
Heyward is supposed to be All-World this and that and he’s been THE most disappointing Brave all season. Even more so than Uggla I think.
War Eagle
More disappointing than an abysmal Gonzalez?
continually underperforming Lowe, a long term nothingness from Uggla? Really?
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
It is all relative.
None of the players you mentioned are supposed to be as good as Heyward is supposed to be.
War Eagle
perhaps your expectations of the young man were unrealistic?
He hasn’t produced at the .300/.400/.500 level we expected, but I’d say Uggla has fallen well below expectation for him more than Heyward has considering Heyward at least can blame injuries for some of his troubles and Uggla has remained healthy. Also, Gonzalez has been such an utter disaster at the plate, as has Schafer, I know neither had Heyward or Uggla like expectations, but they have been as much a problem, especially Sea Bass, as anything.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Touche to all of your points.
I’m not the crazed fanatic fool I’m probably conisidered by most posters here.
It just goes a little beyond stats regarding Heyward to me. He seems not to have his head on right to me at times. His swing has looked very poor this season and I’ve not seen him get his timing fully under control yet. He’s had some brightspt at bats here and there. He’s had his power moments, but he is all around just not firing on all cylinders this year.
I’m just not of the mindset that just because player A has as many walks against LHP in July as player B that they are comparable. It doesn’t always work that way.
War Eagle
I don't think a "message" is what he needs...
just some good health. I’m ok with a short stint in AAA if it helps him refind that .300/.400/.500 stroke we all know he’s got in him. But the guy is still our best OF, is still producing, and if he can refind that stroke at the MLB level then that’s great news. If a week or two with Gwinnett is what helps him find that groove again, so be it, but it should be a last resort type option, if that.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Prado has been just as bad as Heyward offensively. Uggla, Schafer, Gonzo, McLouth, and Wilkin have all been worse at the plate than Heyward. Would you like to send “messages” to all of them? Really dumb comment.
There is definitely a balance your missing between expectation and production. If we expect someone to hit .150/.150/.150 and he does, then should we really send a message? No, it’s simply naive to think that if someone performs to expectation then you should punish them. Does it mean we shouldn’t be on the lookout to replace him? Of course not, you always try to improve your club, but we also shouldn’t be actively trying to punish him either. Prado, Gonzo, Schafer, and Wilkin have performed approximately what we should have reasonably expected given their past histories, age, positional changes, and experience. I see no reason to send them a message… yet. Prado is on the verge though and it wouldn’t surprise me that a corner OF would force Heyward and Prado into a platoon once we are at full strength.
The rest of the list? I don’t see how we haven’t sent a message to them. We benched Uggla once or twice a week there for a while and dropped him in the order. Sure, I wish it would have been a bit louder, but Uggla is a Freddi favorite and a high $$ veteran. In all honesty, he prolly heard the message from himself louder than what we could have shown him. Still, a little extra prodding wouldn’t have hurt.
McLouth has lost his CF job and is in danger of losing an everyday job once we are 100%. Please explain how this isn’t a message.
The most exciting part about Bowman’s post is the fact that the Rays have had a scout in Atlanta all week. I believe Upton would be the best fit for the team since he can play all 3 OF positions. As far as batting him leadoff I’m not to big a fan of that
by drumzalicious on Jul 28, 2011 1:54 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Would to be great to see him at 7, but with the talk of platooning I don’t even know anymore.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
Could you imagine what our outfield would look like next year?
Upton in Left, Schafer in CF, Heyward in RF?? Nothing would ever drop!
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jul 28, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd assume adding Upton means Schafaer is either in AAA
or 4th OF, and with Prado in LF unless Chipper retires.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
That's my thinking.
Schafer to AAA to season and work on things, and McLouth off the bench this year with Prado in left.
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jul 28, 2011 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Why put Upton in LF?
Love Jason he is my fav Brave. But Upton has more range and a better Arm , I’d put Jason in LF, Jason in RF.
Either way
That’s still a ridiculously potent defensive outfield
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jul 28, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
i agree
Heyward – Schafer – Upton
by drumzalicious on Jul 28, 2011 2:19 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Love Upton but I would not bat him lead-off..
1) Upton
2) Carlos Q.
I wouldn’t be excited about the other 2.
i think a better lineup would be
Prado LF
Heyward RF
Chip 3B
Uggla 2B
McCann C
Upton CF
Freeman 1B
Gonzo SS
Next year if Chip retires
Schafer CF
Prado 3B
Heyward LF
Uggla 2B
McCann C
Upton RF
Freeman 1B
Pastornicky SS
Although Fredi would probably flip Heyward and McCann
by drumzalicious on Jul 28, 2011 2:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Unless Heyward starts heating up, I’d put Heap 3rd and Freeman 5th if Chipper retires with Heyward sliding down to 7th.
by Southern IN Chopper on Jul 28, 2011 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
That was basically Wren's big deadline splash last year
Christ, that was kinda awful.
Huh?
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
He traded for Ankiel
Who’s about as much of an impact player as Mauer.
Oh, and Farnsworth, too. Whee!
My point is just that it was a really disappointing deadline for Wren, and I’m hoping we’ll get an impact player this year.
Mather?
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
Ha, yes...
Call it Post-Mather Stress Disorder. Now I see him everywhere.
In more seriousness
I’m pretty surprised there seems to have been zero talk about Reyes being traded at all. I can’t believe the Mets will get rid of Beltran and K rod and hang onto Reyes.
He's their franchise player
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on Jul 28, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought David Wright was
Anyways, Reyes is going to cost one hell of a pretty penny next year (assuming he chooses to resign with them). It’ll be silly to drop all of their big stars and pay for one. Either you’re going to completely rebuild or you’re not.
I like the idea of both Upton and a Willingham or Ludwick...
Quentin to me, is only if they take Lowe.
And dude, you’re rosterbating like crazy lately. Why did I go through all that time and research making a rosterbation fanpost if you’re just gonna put a daily rosterbation thread up on the front page? Gondee = not just lazy journalism, but lazy delegation and lazy adherence to board rules. The rules say this type of commentary should be reserved exclusively for the rosterbation post rec’d in the fan post section.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Go big or go home
Take a chance on Upton. All he needs is to get out of Tampa and he will break out big time.
Shrimp, Steak, Liquor, and Pasta
.
Where would Quentin play? I pretty sure he is a LF. He could play RF but platooning him with Jason is a terrible idea
Shrimp, Steak, Liquor, and Pasta
.
Quentin plays both corner OF
He could play LF, Prado plays 3B while Chipper is not healthy, when Chipper comes back Prado plays the super utility role, he would play like 5 or 6 games per week, giving like 2 games per week to Chipper, a day to Quentin per week, and another day to Uggla per week, or we can try him on SS, Gonzo is just horrible
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on Jul 28, 2011 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
...
Prado needs some consistency, bouncing him around to different positions wouldn’t help out his bat.
This
Is why I think Upton is the best fit.
by drumzalicious on Jul 28, 2011 2:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If you can get it done with Minor as the centerpiece
Definitely pull the trigger. Probably pull the trigger on Delgado. Maybe on Vizcaino, so long as the other dudes going aren’t worth anything. Teheran is untouchable.
What do we want? A BJ!
When do we want it? NOW!!!
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jul 28, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Hes old yes
but hes still productive, i dont understand why people wanting him to retire
No sense of loyalty.
They’ll all be doing it to Mac in a few years
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jul 28, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Few = 6-7
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jul 28, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
There is a thin line between loyalty and business and while I as a brave fan am a fan of the braves and thus makes me a fan of Larry, but he has all but handicapped this team with his health these past few years. Chipper needs to hang it up he injures something every game. He is a great player and has a great future in coaching one day but it is time.
Baseball is my life
I don’t understand how you can say that about a guy who is still one of the top 3 offensive 3B in the NL.
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 28, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I would put Aramis, Wright, and Zimmerman ahead of good ole Larry and then while his offensive numbers are nice and a plus to this team his D at 3B has now become a liability.
Baseball is my life
His D at 3B has been just fine this season, if not really good.
And you can put those three above him, I won’t argue that. Now, he’s the 4th best offensive 3B in the NL.
The point still remains.
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 28, 2011 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
productive yes, but cant stay healthy. Prado has to flip-flop between positions, which means we have to put McClouth in left. I love Chipper and it has nothing to do with loyalty, I have been rooting for him to have a great season and finish his career at .300+.
This makes no sense.
He’s under contract to us, and if he were to retire the extra payroll would go into Liberty Media’s pocket. He’s not on the field every day or even close to that, but when he is on the field, he’s one of our better hitters. What’s with this craze for subtraction by subtraction?
How is it subtraction by subtraction you get the money he is making and put it towards CF or LF it helps the team with Prado cemented at 3B and not flip flopping back and forth.
Baseball is my life
Upton or Carlos, please. No Willingham or Ludwick
Maybe we’re not planning Chipper being able to play every day anymore?
Next year...
Schafer
Upton
McCann
Prado…. Yes Prado clean-up. He has the talent to hit .300 + and 20 + hr’s.
Heyward…. He will come back around
Uggla
Freeman
Pastornickey
All that speed in front of McCann and Prado…….
Freeman 7th?
Schafer
Prado
McCann
Uggla
Freeman
Heyward
Upton
Pastornicky
I like that lineup
Shrimp, Steak, Liquor, and Pasta
.
by KINGSLYTUT on Jul 28, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes....
While I do think Freeman is a good hitter, I also think he’s playing a little over his head right now. Putting Schafer and Upton at the top just puts so much speed infront of Mac an Prado. Also if there is one thing I have seen that Prado can’t do is bunt. I’d rather have Upton attempt a sacrafise bunt ( with a chance of a hit with his speed) than loose Prado’s bat trying to bunt. Also I believe Jason will return to fourm and be a better hitter than Freeman or Uggla.
Well that also apply's to Jason.
There is a reason he was ranked ahead of Freeman on every prospect list. I thought Freeman had a shot at ROY, but I didn’t think he would be this good this soo, I don’t think any one did. Nor did any one think Jason would go through this kind of slump. Do any of us know how good Freeman will be long hall? No. But looking into the future Jason has more talent so planning for next year, I’d think Jason would bat infront of Freeman.
Please don’t go off in the wrong direction this is not a slap at Freeman. But IMHO he’s playing a little above his head right now for a rookie. Their isn’t a book on him yet as there is on Jason. Let’s see how he fares over the end of the season now that teams have seen him 3 or 4 times and have some idea how to pitch him.
*sigh*
You’re missing my point.
You can say Uggla is playing below his level because we look back at the last five years of his career and see what his numbers should be. With Freeman (or Heyward) we really don’t know how good they will be. Who knows, maybe Freeman will continue to grow/develop and turn into a Mark Teixera and Heyward into another Francour. Either way, its a little silly to say Freeman is playing above his head when there’s no way to really back that up.
NO need to sigh!
I get and understand your point. I do think Freeman can be a .300 20+ hr guy. I just don’t think any of us thought he would play this well this soon. That’s why I said I think he’s playing over his head. I thought I got that across. They could both turn out to be All-Star’s, they could both turn out to be bust. What we do know is they have a book on Jason ( Pitch high and inside), they don’t have that book on Freeman yet. I would let this year play out ( he does deserve to hit where he’s hitting now, because he’s hitting now) and ST of next year, before I even thought of putting him above Jason going into next season.
speak for yourself...
some of us expected exactly this, a struggling early couple months followed by him getting hotter with the weather.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
It’s been his career long pattern.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
I can’t say that my expectation was .300 20+ hrs but could get close to it, probably around .295 this year. Check this out
Last 28 days: .333 /.423 /.600 /1.023
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
For the season, no...
but I expected a hot run like we’re seeing, and over .260 with over 20 HR.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
His BA this year is .287 so far. That’s pretty freaking good.
Line so far this season:
.287 /.360/.474 /.834 OPS+ 130
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
Expect? Not necessarily. But I absolutely believed he was capable of it.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
Freeman would be better in the long hall if he hit more line drives
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
Is it a narrow hallway?
then he needs to hit those line drives up the middle, or else will need to repair the walls.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
I envision it as a hall in a bouncy castle.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
applies, unless somehow the verb owns Heyward
long haul would be the phrase, unless Freddie is entering the hotel from the Shining and has to go down a long corridor. Again, in front, two words.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
I’d give up either Minor or Delgado for BJ Upton, he could possibly have a Maybin like turnaround if he gets out of Florida
Upton just makes the most sense. At his worst (which he is in Tampa) he’s basically Schafer +. If his road splits aren’t just coincidental, then getting him here could be perfect. A line-up would look like this for this year.
1. Upton
2. Prado
3.Chipper
4. McCann
5. Uggla
6. Freeman
7. Heyward (Thats how good the line-up is!)
8. Gonzalez
McLouth becomes the fourth OF and Schafer goes to AAA to refine himself. Fredi still has the same toy, just with more talent and ability at this point to play with as his leadoff guy/CF.
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jul 28, 2011 2:09 PM EDT reply actions
Problem is...
It just feels like Schafer belongs with the big league club. So that may be where he stays.
"There's nothing better than a baseball game" - Bobby Cox
it does
Which is why I said earlier he would be our CF next year, but this year, it would just be better to have him in AAA rather than sitting on the bench not getting any better offensively
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jul 28, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I'm just kidding.
I agree that is what should happen. I was just saying maybe Fredi and co. would think it FEELS like he should stay in the majors and keep him there.
"There's nothing better than a baseball game" - Bobby Cox
Hahaha
Fail on my part for not getting that!
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jul 28, 2011 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm getting the impression people love Schafer because he seems like what a CF should be
racial things aside (although that may play a part for some), he’s young and fast, and looks like you thinka CF would look like. I think his perfect type casting for the role may aid in some’s support of him when his offensive numbers are obviously lacking severely.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
For next season, give me...
Schafer
Prado
Quentin
McCann
Uggla
Freeman
Heyward
Pastornicky
i like this better...
Schafer
Prado
Freeman
Uggla
Mccann
Quentin
Heyward
Pastornicky
by bravesrgonnawinitall on Jul 28, 2011 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Upton
Trading for him is a desperation move, we have enough guys hitting .220ish. We can certainly do better.
have you seen his home/road splits?
plus, 20+ SB with pop in his bat 20+ HR
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on Jul 28, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
yes because Tampa Bay is not good for hitters, and he needs a change of scenery
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on Jul 28, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
no...
it’s justified by having a better obp, better iso, and being a legit stolen base threat that shows more consistent production at the plate than our current CF.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
and I keep agreeing
this is not a desperation move. Its a smart one.
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jul 28, 2011 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Other than Bourn
who is clearly better? Centerfielder wise
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jul 28, 2011 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
If were only worried about CF stick with Schafer, we already own him for cheap, is a good defensive player, can steal, and has a higher BA that Upton. Except for the minor problem of him being on the DL……. I dont know, I just dont want to get someone for the sake of making a trade. Too many times in the past that is exactly what I feel like Wren has done.
Jordan's an average defensive player
And he has zero power, little patience, and a bad baseball IQ that causes his speed to play down on the basepaths. Just a lousy guy to carry on a playoff team.
He is relatively average
But McLouth is probably one of the worst. So in that sense he’s a major upgrade defensively.
Reed Johnson
Cheap and Fredi-proof: LHP → start Johnson. RHP → start McLouth
Big 4 stays intact
This is a great article http://www.sbnation.com/2011/7/28/2297567/sports-cards-for-insane-people-fleers-emotion-set-the-gas-station
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
If the Braves
Have any real desire to win the WS this year (or at least beat the Giants in the playoffs), they’ll need to land a true centerfielder – not a RF who will platoon with Heyward while leaving Schafer or McLouth in CF. They also need another capable reliever.
If both of those don’t happen (Wren makes a couple trades like last year for Farnsworth and Derek Lee), we’ll still make the playoffs but won’t get out of the first round again. We simply NEED a big bat and another good reliever to beat teams like the Phillies and the Giants.
If knee-jerking was a needed skill in the workplace, you’d have no shortage of job offers…
-C
It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?
What do you mean?
Lets say we get to the playoffs and meet the Giants (now with Carlos Beltran), and our lineup consists of what it has been most of this season (Chipper, Prado, Heyward, McLouth/Schafer in CF, Gonzalez, Uggla, Freeman, and McCann). In the bullpen, we have EOF, Venters, Kimbrel, and Moylan (who may be 50/50).
Do you really think that’s a team that can beat the Giants, beat the Phillies, and beat the Red Sox/Yankees – or whoever ends up winning the AL?
If we get a right fielder that simply platoons with Heyward, it won’t really change the dynamic of the team at all. The only real difference it will make is when Chipper is hurt and Prado can slide to 3B and Heyward/new player go to LF.
Yes, I do.
The playoffs are a crapshoot and the WS-winning team is the best team in the league only 30% of the time. The Giants proved just last season that worse teams can win the WS if they get hot at the right time.
But here’s the thing: The Giants aren’t better than the Braves, even with Beltran. The team that wins the Central isn’t better, either. That leaves the Phillies, who the Braves have played even with this season. And, of course, one AL team, that may or may not be better than the Braves.
-C
It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?
Agreed
And, I don’t care if we land Upton, Quentin and Pence, it’s not going to stop Halladay or Lee from being post-season beasts. We’re still going to have to battle the whole way. On the flip side, Alex Gonzalez could have a freakish game and hit two HRs off Halladay to clinch a game 7. The playoffs are friggin crazy, and predicting the hero is harder than predicting the team to win it all.
To be honest Frank couldn’t control the fact that Wagner, Prado, AND Chip weren’t healthy
by drumzalicious on Jul 28, 2011 2:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Wagner didn't get hurt till the end of the series
And even if we had gotten by the Giants I’m not sure if we could have beat the Phillies with a healthy Prado/Chipper.
why not just go all out
For a player we know will fit.
Adam Jones!!!!!
by drumzalicious on Jul 28, 2011 2:29 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I wouldn't mind Quentin.
But as I keep saying, I would prefer Bourn.
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jun 28, 2011 9:50 PM EDT reply actions
by ChopMaster on Jul 2, 2011 12:53 PM PDT
I read about how people say Upton is bad
but i think with some vet presence hell turn around, i mean damn if i were traded to the Braves and a vet like Chipper Jones is there id listen to whatever that man says. But thats just me and i think B.J Upton would kinda be the same knowing thats Chippers Team.
I think its silly
To expect a rental player to suddenly play better for two months after a quick change. If anything, its just as likely that he could be like Uggla…play much worse in his new situation.
Upton is not a rental
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on Jul 28, 2011 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Kinda sorta he is
While not a FA next year, he is not under contract and it will be his third year of arbitration
Maybe all the people at the stadium will distract him?
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
by GumpBrave on Jul 28, 2011 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hopefully Uggla can tell him the secret though.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
It is also increasingly becoming McCann’s team and they are the same age.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
I just think B.J will be the player he needs to be if he is traded to a team like ours and if he is in the N.L. like his brother
by Prettyricky727 on Jul 28, 2011 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I was really excited when I read the headline – as I thought I would see some shortstops names mentioned.
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 28, 2011 2:53 PM EDT reply actions
Jim Bowden reporting that
Washington is getting close to a deal with the Twins for Denard Span. His info is that Drew Storen – despite reports – would be the key piece going to Minnesota.
"Just take out the whole Tim McCarver part of the broadcast and boom, the director has freed up a whopping 45 minutes of airtime." - Rob Iracane of Yahoo! Sports, 7/13/11
Why would the Nats make that deal?
"You come at the king, you best not miss."
by a hooter's baby on Jul 28, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
They have needed a CFer as bad as we do. Span would be a no-brainer except for his own brain issues (concussion). I’m actually a little disappointed that we haven’t been talking about that ourselves.
"Just take out the whole Tim McCarver part of the broadcast and boom, the director has freed up a whopping 45 minutes of airtime." - Rob Iracane of Yahoo! Sports, 7/13/11
He’s a lefty. No reason to get a lefty unless they are top flight like Bourn.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
They are really close upon further review. Bourn is having a better year but Span has better career numbers. I’d like to see what they end up paying for him, but I too wonder who we haven’t heard anything about him at all.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
right. My other disappointment is that we’re gonna start seeing Span for 18 games a year.
"Just take out the whole Tim McCarver part of the broadcast and boom, the director has freed up a whopping 45 minutes of airtime." - Rob Iracane of Yahoo! Sports, 7/13/11
Better than seeing Willie Harris….hey now THERE’s an idea…
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 28, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
would you guys
Deal Jurrjens for Upton?
by drumzalicious on Jul 28, 2011 2:56 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Nah
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 28, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
No way. That makes our team a lot worse this year and isn’t necessarily better for the future.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
If they throw in a RH reliever and a prospect, maybe depending on the prospect
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
The Rays aren't exactly looking for pitching
"There's nothing better than a baseball game" - Bobby Cox
only reason i asked
I found it interesting that a Rays scout has been watching our big league club all week. Just figuring our who they could be watching.
by drumzalicious on Jul 28, 2011 5:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Brewers are looking at Furcal....
and the Dodgers are considering throwing money in.
"Baseball is the only place in life where a sacrifice is really appreciated."
Jump in the mix, FW!!!
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 28, 2011 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Furcal has been awful this year
I wouldn’t just assume he’d be better than Gonzo the rest of the year and I’m as big of a Gonzo hater as there is.
Yea, but his last 5 years are really freaking awesome so I’d have to know what happened to him before I think this is anything other than a slump season.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
He had two very good partial seasons mixed in
The last two times he actually cracked 100 games though he posted lines of .269./.335/.375 and .270/.333/.355, so he obviously hasn’t been consistently good. I just think he’s old, banged up, and getting to the end of his career. He may be better than Gonzalez, but I wouldn’t be willing to give up anything of value to find out.
I dream of those lines from SS.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
Better than Gonzo sure,
But certainly not “freaking awesome” like you claimed
For a SS they actually are pretty damn good. And I did say 5 years back which would include his 2006 campaign. His 2010 included 96 games so it still should have some weight and that year was just sick. Anyway keep in mind my frame of reference is Alex Gonzalez, so excuse me if any kind of offense gets me overly excited.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
2007-2011 would be the last 5 years IMO
At least that’s what I was looking at…ranks 12 in wRC+ among SS with at least 1500 PA during that stretch which is very solid, but not spectacular.
Active SS?
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
All still active, not all still full time SS
Not sure why that matters though since we’re comparing his past performance to the past performance of others at the position.
I think I would assume my left nut will be better than Gonzo the rest of the year.
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 28, 2011 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
You truly are willing to give up a lot for this team, eh?
"Just take out the whole Tim McCarver part of the broadcast and boom, the director has freed up a whopping 45 minutes of airtime." - Rob Iracane of Yahoo! Sports, 7/13/11
lol
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 28, 2011 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Rut-Roh...
SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
#phillies still seek OF. top 2 choices r 1. pence, 2. quentin. hearing dom brown may not be untouchable. #tradedeadline
"Just take out the whole Tim McCarver part of the broadcast and boom, the director has freed up a whopping 45 minutes of airtime." - Rob Iracane of Yahoo! Sports, 7/13/11
I'd love to see the Phils trade Dom Brown
There just looking to make it easier for us to dominate the division for the rest of the decade.
We can beat them in a trade offer though if we want to without crippling ourselves.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
Screw that
Let’s not make a bad trade just on the off chance it could help us beat Philly this year. Let them continue to make short-sighted trades and completely take themselves out of contention within the next year or two.
the problem is that they have dollaz
and will just pull a NYY on the league.
by Santaklose11 on Jul 28, 2011 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
They're already doing that
They don’t have the payroll flexibility to add anyone through FA in the next few years
I'll take Bourn over any of the above mentioned
hits .300, high OBP, leads the league in steals, and plays lights out CF defense.
….AND he is available for less than Pence from what I have read thus far.
Yeah
I keep hearing that the Astros are “aggressively” shopping Bourn & this is who the Braves should be looking at. He’s LH, but his splits aren’t that drastic. And obviously enough has been said about needing a bonified lead off hitter as well as a true CF.
DOB's take on Quentin...
Tough to imagine Heyward out of the lineup but Schafer / Mclouth still in it.
"There's nothing better than a baseball game" - Bobby Cox
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